Top 100 NBA Players: Brunswick's take on the matter

The NBA is filled with talent that is often overlooked. In the upcoming 2018 season, there are plenty of players that aim to make their mark.

There will be controversy, but that's what makes the sports world fun. Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America

The recent "Top 100" lists from ESPN and Sports Illustrated have stirred up some lively debate about which NBA players will truly be important in the 2017-18 season. Here at VAVEL USA, we wanted to get in on the fun and produce our own list to counter the aforementioned rankings. Just as most pieces like this are, the information is anchored in opinion and is meant to incite meaningful conversation about the sport we all cherish and love: basketball.

Jeremy Lin had a rough year and probably won't bounce back too quick.
Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America

Players Ranked 100-91

100. Buddy Hield - Sacramento Kings

99. Jeremy Lin - Brooklyn Nets

98. Louis Williams - Los Angeles Clippers

97. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - Los Angeles Lakers

96. Taj Gibson - Minnesota Timberwolves

95. Rodney Hood - Utah Jazz

94. Derrick Rose - Cleveland Cavaliers

93. Josh Jackson - Phoenix Suns

92. Tyreke Evans - Memphis Grizzlies

91. Ben Simmons - Philadelphia 76ers

His old age brings Dirk Nowitzki down low on this list. Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America

Players Ranked 90-81

90. D'Angelo Russell - Brooklyn Nets

89. Dennis Schroder - Atlanta Hawks

88. Dirk Nowitzki - Dallas Mavericks

87. Jaylen Brown - Boston Celtics

86. Andre Iguodala - Golden State Warriors

85. Rajon Rondo - New Orleans Pelicans

84. Julius Randle - Los Angeles Lakers

83. C. J. Miles - Toronto Raptors

82. Al-Farouq Aminu - Portland Trailblazers

81. Eric Gordon - Houston Rockets

Thaddeus Young has been a great role player, but never a strong focal point.
Photo: Joe Robbins/Getty Images North America

Players Ranked 80-71

80. Patrick Beverley - Los Angeles Clippers

79. Rudy Gay - San Antonio Spurs

78. Tobias Harris - Detroit Pistons

77. Harrison Barnes - Dallas Mavericks

76. Thaddeus Young - Indiana Pacers

75. Zach Randolph - Sacramento Kings

74. Tristan Thompson - Cleveland Cavaliers

73. Wilson Chandler - Denver Nuggets

72. Danilo Gallinari - Los Angeles Clippers

71. Dwight Howard - Charlotte Hornets

Nikola Jokic has been an impressive talent since day one. Photo: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America

Kawhi Leonard is one of those special talents. Photo: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images North America

Players Ranked 10-1

10. DeMarcus Cousins - New Orleans Pelicans

9. John Wall - Washington Wizards

8. Paul George - Oklahoma City Thunder

7. Chris Paul - Houston Rockets

6. Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors

5. Russell Westbrook - Oklahoma City Thunder

4. James Harden - Houston Rockets

3. LeBron James - Cleveland Cavaliers

2. Kevin Durant - Golden State Warriors

1. Kawhi Leonard - San Antonio Spurs

I'm well aware this list is going to turn a lot of heads, but that's why I made it. I took a few factors into account while making this list including age, change in scenery, role on the team, and ability to produce. I tried sticking away from statistics here and lean more towards what I've seen these players do for their organization. I'd thoroughly enjoy some debate over this list, so feel free to make some remarks.